If you have a sweet tooth and love all things caramel and chocolate, you’re going to absolutely adore this Twix Cookies with Caramel and Chocolate Drizzle Recipe. I discovered this gem a while back, and it’s quickly become my go-to for a crowd-pleasing treat that’s both fun and rewarding to bake. The buttery shortbread base baked to just the right crispness with the ooey gooey caramel and silky chocolate drizzle on top—what’s not to love? Keep reading because I’m spilling all the secrets I’ve learned so you can nail this recipe every single time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic Flavor Combo: The rich shortbread, smooth caramel, and luscious chocolate are the perfect harmony of sweet and buttery.
- Easy to Master: Even if you’re new to baking, the straightforward steps empower you to create impressive cookies.
- Customizable: You can tweak the chocolate type or add a sprinkle of sea salt for an extra flavor pop.
- Crowd Pleaser: I’ve never met anyone who didn’t go wild for these at parties or as a simple weeknight treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right ingredients is half the battle, and for this Twix Cookies with Caramel and Chocolate Drizzle Recipe, quality and simplicity make a big difference. Here’s a rundown of what I use, along with why each piece works like magic.
- Butter: Always softened to room temperature; it creates that tender, rich shortbread texture.
- Powdered Sugar: It blends smoothly into the butter, giving the cookies a delicate sweetness and softer crumb.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to your cookie dough—don’t skip it!
- All-purpose Flour: The foundation that holds the cookie together without weighing it down.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness.
- Caramel Bits: I love these unwrapped bits for convenience, but regular caramels work well too.
- Heavy Cream: Just a splash to help melt and smooth the caramel topping.
- Milk Chocolate Chips: Go for good quality chocolate—it makes that drizzle glossy and tasty.
- Coconut Oil or Vegetable Shortening: Helps melt and thin the chocolate for a beautiful drizzle.
Variations
I love experimenting with this Twix Cookies with Caramel and Chocolate Drizzle Recipe to suit different moods and occasions. Feel free to play around—it’s all about making it your own!
- Semi-Sweet or Dark Chocolate: Swapping milk chocolate for a darker variety adds a richer, less sweet contrast that my family actually prefers on occasion.
- Sea Salt Sprinkle: A quick sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the chocolate drizzle takes these cookies from great to downright irresistible!
- Nutty Addition: Crushing some toasted pecans or almonds into the caramel layer adds a pleasant crunch I started doing after a friend suggested it.
- Gluten-Free Flour Blend: For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 baking flour blend—just expect a slightly different texture but still delicious.
How to Make Twix Cookies with Caramel and Chocolate Drizzle Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Perfect Dough
First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F and line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. I always do this ahead so I’m ready to pop the cookies in without a rush. Using a stand mixer (or hand mixer), beat the softened butter together with the powdered sugar on low speed until it forms a creamy, smooth mixture. It usually takes about 2-3 minutes—don’t skip this because it gives your shortbread that lovely tender crumb.
Step 2: Add Vanilla, Flour, and Salt
Once the butter and sugar are well combined, add in the vanilla extract and mix just to combine. Then keep the mixer on low and gradually add in the flour and salt. The key here is not to overmix. Once you see a soft dough coming together, stop! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and that’s the last thing you want.
Step 3: Roll and Cut the Dough
I love rolling the dough between two sheets of parchment paper. It’s a total game-changer because it keeps your dough from sticking and means you won’t have to dust it with extra flour (which can dry out your cookies). Roll it out to about 1/4 inch thickness, then use a round cutter (mine’s 2.5 inches wide) to cut cookie rounds. Place them about an inch apart on your baking sheet. If your dough feels a little too soft or sticky, popping it into the fridge for 20 minutes before rolling helps firm it up.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. You want to watch for the edges just starting to turn golden brown. This is the sweet spot where they’re crisp in the right places but soft enough to melt in your mouth. When they’re out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before gently transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Melting and Spreading the Caramel
While the cookies cool, combine your caramel bits and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave first for 60 seconds, then stir well. If necessary, pop it back for 15-second increments until the caramel is smooth and creamy. Spoon a generous layer over each cooled cookie, spreading it evenly. This step makes a world of difference for texture and flavor, so take your time here. Allow the caramel to set fully before moving on.
Step 6: The Chocolate Drizzle Finale
Now for the pièce de résistance: melt your chocolate chips together with coconut oil or vegetable shortening. The oil thins the chocolate out, making it silky and perfect for drizzling. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir, then add another 30 seconds if needed. Drizzle this decadent chocolate over the set caramel—try to make pretty lines because presentation counts (and it’s so satisfying!). Let the chocolate cool and harden before serving. I like to speed this up by placing the cookies in the fridge for 15-20 minutes.
Pro Tips for Making Twix Cookies with Caramel and Chocolate Drizzle Recipe
- Use Room Temperature Butter: This helps your dough mix evenly, keeping your cookies tender and buttery exactly like Twix.
- Rolling Between Parchment: Trust me on this one—it stops sticking and eliminates extra flour that can dry out your cookies.
- Don’t Overbake: Edges turning lightly golden is your clue; this keeps cookies meltingly soft inside with a slight crisp.
- Chocolate Melting Trick: Adding coconut oil ensures a smooth drizzle that sets with a lovely shine and no cracking.
How to Serve Twix Cookies with Caramel and Chocolate Drizzle Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it simple with this recipe because the cookies are already so rich. But sometimes, I sprinkle on flaky sea salt just before the chocolate sets—it cuts the sweetness perfectly and adds a fancy touch. Crushed nuts or a tiny sprinkle of edible gold dust work wonders for special occasions too.
Side Dishes
Pair these Twix cookies with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee or tea. For parties, I like to arrange them alongside fresh fruit skewers or simple vanilla ice cream—trust me, the caramel chocolate combo with cold creaminess is heavenly.
Creative Ways to Present
For birthdays or holiday gatherings, I love displaying these cookies stacked on a pretty cake stand—maybe even alternating layers with small pieces of Twix candy bars! Wrapping each cookie in cellophane with a festive ribbon turns them into darling gifts your friends will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These cookies keep wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for about 4-5 days. I usually layer them with parchment paper between to keep them from sticking. The caramel stays chewy but not sticky—perfect to munch on anytime you want a quick sweet fix.
Freezing
Here’s a trick I learned: freeze the baked shortbread cookies before adding caramel and chocolate. This way, you can bake a big batch ahead and add toppings as needed. The finished cookies can be frozen, but just know the texture of caramel and chocolate might change a bit—it’s still tasty but less pretty.
Reheating
If you want to warm your cookies up, a few seconds in the microwave makes the caramel melty and chocolate soft again—just don’t overdo it or the toppings may get too gooey. I like to enjoy them slightly chilled or room temperature for the best texture.
FAQs
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Can I make these Twix cookies without a stand mixer?
Absolutely! You can use a hand mixer or even mix by hand with a sturdy wooden spoon. Just be sure to cream the butter and powdered sugar well to get that smooth base, though it may take a bit more elbow grease.
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What if I don’t have caramel bits? Can I use regular caramel candies?
Yes, regular unwrapped caramel squares work perfectly. It might take a minute longer to melt and stir smooth, but just be patient, and your caramel will turn out great.
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Why is my cookie dough crumbly and hard to roll out?
This can happen if the butter isn’t soft enough or if too much flour was added. To fix it, let the dough sit at room temperature for a little while or chill it briefly before rolling. Rolling between parchment paper really helps too.
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Can I substitute the milk chocolate with white chocolate?
Definitely! White chocolate adds a sweet, creamy twist. Just be cautious when melting, as white chocolate burns easier. Use short microwave bursts and stir often.
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How do I prevent the chocolate drizzle from cracking?
Adding a bit of coconut oil or vegetable shortening helps keep the melted chocolate smooth and flexible. Also, avoid chilling the cookies for too long with the chocolate on—they set better at a cool room temperature.
Final Thoughts
This Twix Cookies with Caramel and Chocolate Drizzle Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it combines simple, straightforward baking with indulgent, show-stopping flavor. Every time I make them, I’m reminded that basic ingredients, handled with care, can create something truly magical. So grab your apron, invite a friend, and give these cookies a whirl—I promise your kitchen will smell amazing and your friends will be asking for seconds!
Print
Twix Cookies with Caramel and Chocolate Drizzle Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies (2.5-inch rounds) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Twix Cookies combine the buttery goodness of shortbread with a luscious layer of caramel topped with smooth milk chocolate. Perfectly crisp on the edges and tender inside, these cookies offer the classic flavors of the beloved Twix candy bar in a delightful homemade treat.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 1/2 cups butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
Caramel Topping
- 11 oz caramel bits
- 1 tbsp heavy cream
Chocolate Topping
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips
- 2 tsp coconut oil or vegetable shortening
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Mix Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine softened butter and powdered sugar. Mix on low speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Vanilla: Add vanilla extract to the butter mixture and blend to combine evenly.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the mixer on low speed, mixing just until all ingredients are incorporated and a soft dough forms.
- Roll Out Dough: Place the dough between two sheets of parchment or waxed paper and roll it out to about 1/4 inch thickness for even baking.
- Cut Cookies: Use a 2.5-inch round cookie cutter or biscuit cutter to cut dough rounds. Place them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookie edges just begin to turn golden brown. Remove and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Melt Caramel: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine caramel bits and heavy cream. Microwave for 60 seconds, then stir. Continue microwaving in 15-second increments as needed until smooth and fully melted.
- Apply Caramel: Spoon the melted caramel over the cooled cookies, spreading it evenly across the surface. Allow the caramel to cool and set completely.
- Melt Chocolate: Combine milk chocolate chips and coconut oil or vegetable shortening in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds, then stir. Repeat with additional 30-second increments if necessary until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
- Apply Chocolate: Spoon the melted chocolate over the set caramel layer on the cookies, spreading it evenly. Let the chocolate cool and harden completely before serving. You can place the cookies in the refrigerator to speed up this process.
Notes
- Unwrapped caramel bits are convenient and found in most baking aisles, but you can substitute with regular unwrapped square caramels if needed.
- Use high-quality milk chocolate chips, such as Ghirardelli, for the best flavor and smooth texture.
- Rolling the dough between parchment paper prevents sticking and helps avoid adding extra flour, which could change texture.
- If your dough feels too soft or sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 20 minutes after rolling out to firm up before cutting.
- For freezing, freeze the plain cookie dough or baked shortbread base before applying caramel and chocolate toppings to preserve appearance and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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